Table of contents
- Is your dog a good fit for a pet hotel? 3 checkpoints
- How much does a pet hotel cost? 4 factors that determine the price
- First time boarding? 6 steps to a worry-free check-in
- What should you pack for your dog’s stay?
- Staying longer than a month — what about the cost?
- Another option beyond pet hotels
- Frequently asked questions
Whether it’s a vacation, a business trip, or a family event you simply can’t miss — every pet owner has faced the moment when they think, “I can’t bring my dog along this time…“
That’s when a pet hotel comes in handy, but you’re probably wondering: “Will my dog feel lonely?” “How much will it cost?” “What do I need to prepare?” — it’s totally natural to have lots of questions and concerns.
In this article, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide covering estimated pet hotel costs in Japan, what to check before your dog’s stay, and a handy packing checklist for peace of mind. Use it to find the most relaxing house-sitting arrangement for your furry friend!
If you’re thinking, “My dog doesn’t handle changes in environment well, and I just want them to feel safe while I’m away” — an in-home pet sitter could be the perfect option for you.
Is your dog a good fit for a pet hotel? 3 checkpoints
The truth is, not every dog will be comfortable at a pet hotel. By understanding your dog’s personality and health ahead of time, you can keep stress to a minimum. Let’s go through these three checkpoints together.
1. Personality and socialization level
If your dog loves greeting other pups on walks or at the dog park and is well socialized, they’ll likely have a great time at a “cage-free (free-roaming) style” hotel. On the other hand, if your dog is a bit timid or doesn’t get along well with other dogs, a “private room” hotel is a safer bet. If you’re worried that “even a private room might be too stressful and they won’t eat…“, consider hiring a pet sitter who can care for your dog in the comfort of their own home.
2. Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
If your dog has been spayed or neutered and enough time has passed since the surgery, they can generally enjoy a free-roaming space without worry. However, intact dogs tend to get excited by the scent of other dogs and may start marking or cause unexpected trouble, so a private room is recommended. Also, keep in mind that female dogs in heat will strongly stimulate male dogs nearby, so most pet hotels in Japan will not accept them during this time.
3. Could your dog show aggression or defensive behavior?
If your dog tends to bark intensely out of fear or tries to bite other dogs or people, a quiet private room or one-on-one care at home from a pet sitter is the safest choice. Paying attention to what situations make your dog tense will be a big help when choosing where to board them.
How much does a pet hotel cost? 4 factors that determine the price
Pet hotel rates aren’t the same everywhere — they vary depending on several factors. Knowing the ballpark figures ahead of time makes it much easier to budget for your trip.
Your dog’s size and weight
The bigger your dog, the more room and staff attention they need, so prices tend to go up accordingly. Here are some general estimates:
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Small dogs (under 10 kg): around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per night
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Medium-sized dogs (10–20 kg): around ¥4,000–¥6,000 per night
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Large dogs (over 20 kg): ¥6,000–¥10,000+ per night
Room type
Hotel rooms generally fall into two categories: “cage or shared room” and “private room (VIP suite)“. A spacious private room typically costs an extra ¥1,000–¥3,000 per night.
Season
During major holidays like Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays, many hotels set “peak season rates” at 1.5 to 2 times the regular price. Popular periods fill up fast, and some hotels require a deposit in advance, so we recommend booking early.
Optional services
Add-ons like grooming during the stay, extended walks, or medication management typically cost an extra ¥500–¥2,000 each. Breeds with thick coats may also incur a higher shampoo fee, so it’s a good idea to ask about this in advance.
“No time to travel to a hotel” or “I want my dog to get professional care right at home”? A pet sitter is a great alternative worth considering.
First time boarding? 6 steps to a worry-free check-in
For first-time pet hotel users, here’s a step-by-step guide from booking to the big day.
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Check your vaccination certificates In Japan, you’ll need to present a “combination vaccine certificate” and a “rabies vaccination tag” issued within the past year. However, since there’s a risk of your dog feeling unwell right after vaccination (within 1–2 weeks), make sure to schedule it with plenty of time to spare.
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Flea, tick prevention, and a bath Complete flea, tick, and heartworm prevention at least one month before the stay, and give your dog a bath no later than three days before to make sure they’re clean and fresh.
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Try a short trial stay Jumping straight into an overnight stay can be nerve-wracking for your dog. Start with a few hours of daycare to let them get used to the staff and surroundings first!
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A thorough consultation Share details with the staff about your dog’s personality, any health conditions, food preferences, and usual walk times. This is your chance to ask all your questions!
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Time to check in! On the day, send your dog off with a cheerful “Have a great time!” If the hotel has webcams, you can keep an eye on your pup from your phone even while you’re away.
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Pick-up time (check-out) Welcome your dog back with lots of praise — “You did great!” The staff will share how the stay went, including how well your dog ate and details about their bathroom habits.
What should you pack for your dog’s stay?
To help your dog feel as comfortable as possible while they’re away from you, make sure to prepare the following items.
Essential items:
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Rabies vaccination tag and combination vaccine certificate (issued within the past year)
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Owner’s photo ID
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Your dog’s regular food (pre-portioned per meal for the length of the stay + 1–2 extra days’ worth)
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Any medications, along with instructions on how to administer them
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Their usual collar, leash, and harness
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A favorite blanket or toy that carries a familiar scent
Extra items for dogs with special needs:
| Your dog’s condition | Additional items to bring | Notes |
| Large dogs | A large food bowl / slow-feeder dish | Important for preventing gastric torsion (bloat) |
| Dogs prone to separation anxiety | A towel or T-shirt that smells like their owner | A familiar scent is the best comfort item |
| Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs) | A portable fan / ice packs / cooling mat | Essential for heatstroke prevention, especially in summer |
| Senior dogs (needing mobility support) | Wheelchair / support harness / pressure-relief mat | Be sure to explain how to use these to the staff |
If packing a big bag and traveling to a hotel feels like too much hassle, in-home pet sitting is a great alternative.
Staying longer than a month — what about the cost?
Sometimes a long business trip or hospital stay means you need to board your dog for an extended period. Many pet hotels in Japan offer “long-stay discount plans” for stays of 20 days or more or by the month, typically saving you 20–40% off the regular rate.
However, regular baths and special walks are usually charged separately. Senior dogs or those with health conditions may incur special care fees, and some hotels require a deposit of tens of thousands of yen as a precaution (unused portions are refunded). The longer the stay, the greater the stress on your dog and the higher the cost, so it’s worth comparing with a pet sitter who can care for your dog in the comfort of home.
Another option beyond pet hotels
Pet hotels are a very convenient service, but they’re not the right answer for every dog. For dogs that are sensitive to changes in environment, senior dogs who prefer a relaxed pace, or dogs with health conditions, a pet sitter service — where a professional comes to care for your dog in the comfort of their own home — can often be the best choice for reducing both physical and emotional stress.
At Fluv, carefully vetted professional sitters visit your home and provide loving care on your behalf. With real-time photo and video updates and insurance coverage for peace of mind, you can relax even when you’re away. Finding the house-sitting method that best suits your dog’s personality is what matters most — for both you and your furry family member.
Why not give your beloved dog the most stress-free house-sitting experience possible?
Frequently asked questions
Q: What exactly is a pet hotel?
A: A pet hotel is a facility that takes care of your dog or cat while you’re away, providing meals, walks, and other daily care. Options range from cage-free spaces where pets can play together to private rooms for more privacy — so you can choose based on your dog’s personality.
Q: How much does one night cost?
A: In Japan, one night typically costs ¥3,000–¥5,000 for small dogs and ¥6,000–¥10,000+ for large dogs. Peak season rates often apply during Golden Week and the New Year holidays, so it’s a good idea to get a quote in advance.
Q: What’s the difference between a pet hotel and a pet sitter?
A: A pet hotel is a facility you bring your pet to, while a pet sitter is an in-home service where a professional comes to your house to care for your pet. For dogs that don’t do well around other animals or tend to stop eating in unfamiliar environments, a pet sitter who provides care at home is a wonderful option.
Q: What preparations are needed before boarding?
A: The three main things are: vaccination certificates, flea and tick prevention, and a bath. Most hotels require proof of rabies and combination vaccinations within the past year. We also recommend scheduling a short trial stay beforehand to help ease your dog’s anxiety.
Q: Can I board my dog if they have a biting or barking habit?
A: If your dog has a serious biting issue toward other dogs or people, most hotels will decline for safety reasons. For dogs that tend to be on guard, an in-home pet sitter service — where they receive one-on-one care with no other dogs around — may be a more comfortable option for everyone.
Q: Are there discounts for long stays?
A: Many hotels offer “long-stay discount plans” of 20–40% off for stays of 20 days to a month or more. However, senior dogs may incur additional special care fees, so it’s worth comparing with pet sitter rates.
Q: Can a female dog in heat be boarded?
A: Female dogs in heat release pheromones that can cause panic among male dogs at the facility, so most pet hotels in Japan will not accept them. You can either wait until the heat cycle is over or consider using a pet sitter, which won’t affect other dogs.
Want to use a pet sitter with more confidence and savings?
Because pets can’t speak for themselves, the care you choose matters most.
That’s why your beloved family member deserves a pet sitter you can trust.
Fluv has a special coupon just for first-time users!
Don’t miss this limited-time offer!
Get 20% OFF your first booking!
(Save about ¥800–¥1,200 per sitter!)
This can be used on top of your free initial consultation!
*This coupon applies to all services.
Coupon code: #FIRST20
Book now and find the perfect sitter for your beloved pet!
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